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News and Notes
Dear Colleagues,

Happy New Year!   In this edition of News and Notes, I provide updates related to the following:
I hope your year has gotten off to a great start. Thank you for all you continue to do to help our students learn.

Sincerely,

MaryEllen Elia
Commissioner
healthState Education Department Proposes School Health Regulation Changes
 
student receiving emergency epinephrine injection
This week, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) proposed amendments to school health regulations that would reduce the burden on school districts to provide emergency care, such as epinephrine injections, and conform with recent changes to statutory requirements. The amendments address many requests from parents, healthcare providers, schools, and the New York State Department of Health to improve health services for students. The public will have 45 days to comment on the proposed changes beginning on January 25.

Please see our news release t o learn more about the proposed health regulation changes.
certificatesProposed Regulation Changes to Provide Greater Flexibility in Reissuance of Classroom Certificates and Supplementary Certificates
 
teacher in front of classroom
This week, NYSED proposed changes to teacher certification regulations that would provide greater flexibility and additional time to meet the requirements for reissuance of expired classroom certificates and supplementary certificates. A 45-day public comment period on the proposed amendments begins January 25.

These proposed regulation changes will allow qualified teachers to get into or stay in the classroom as they complete their certificate requirements. Following the public comment period, it is anticipated that the proposed rule will be presented for permanent adoption by the Board of Regents at its April 2017 meeting. If adopted, the proposed amendment would become effective on April 26, 2017.

For more information about the proposed changes to teacher certification regulations, please see our news release.
opioidCombatting Opioid and Heroin Use and Abuse
 
At its meeting this week, the Board of Regents convened a panel to discuss combatting opioid and heroin use and abuse. Presenters shared their thoughts on prevention, warning signs, intervention, referral, treatment, recovery, and outreach.

In 2015, New York State enacted laws allowing schools to provide and maintain opioid antagonists (naloxone) on-site, and late last year, NYSED issued guidance and information for schools regarding opioid overdose prevention programs. Additional resources to combat opioid and heroin use and abuse include:
  • Kitchen Table Toolkit
    The Kitchen Table Toolkit was developed to assist individuals (parents, spouses, siblings, teachers, coaches, counselors, probation officers, etc.) with initiating conversations about heroin and opioid abuse. Information, resources, and supports are available so no one needs to be alone in the fight to combat heroin and opioid abuse. Recognizing that addiction is not exclusive to heroin and opioids, this information may be applicable for alcohol and other drugs, also addressed in this toolkit. See page 12 for school-focused information.
     
  • Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit and Resources
    These resources from the New York State Center for School Health may be used in consultation with school administration in order to implement an opioid overdose prevention program.
totyTeacher of the Year Nominations Due February 1
 
teacher doing an art project with young students in the classroom
There's still time to nominate an outstanding teacher to be our next Teacher of the Year! A strong Teacher of the Year nominee is a skilled professional who has demonstrated excellence in the classroom and in the community and who has a superior ability to inspire learning in students of all backgrounds and competencies.

Applications for the   2018 New York State Teacher of the Year   are due February 1, 2017.
mlkResources and Activities for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
 
Dr. Martin Luther King_ Jr. delivering a speech
Monday, January 16 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In honor of Dr. King, we would like to share some opportunities to reflect and to get involved.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
On MLK Day, be inspired by  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message of service and find an opportunity to volunteer in your community. Whether you are organizing an event, seeking ways to volunteer, or looking for lesson plans, visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service website for more information.

New York State Museum's Online Exhibition
The New York State Museum's website features an online exhibition of the only known audio recording of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1962 speech commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. 
The online exhibition features the audio recording of the speech, the manuscript of the speech, the original event program, and educational resources.

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